Fozzy - Sin And Bones

I’ve had a very good relationship with FOZZY – seen ‘em live, loved it, and it’s not very often that they put out something that I don’t like (I’m looking at you, “It’s A Lie”). So from the moment I heard that they were to bring out their fifth studio album, I was extremely excited. So it’s very lucky that I love “Sin And Bones”! All too often bands bring out multiple albums, and begin to stale, but not with FOZZY – they just keep sounding better.

If I’m brutally honest, I couldn’t help but be reminded of their 2010 album, “Chasing The Grail”, and I don’t think I’d be the only one, so obviously the comparisons are there to be made. You’ve got “Storm The Beaches” which is this album’s “Wormwood”, and “Inside My Head” which is (kind of) like “Broken Soul”. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, because “Chasing The Grail” was a huge hit, and is my favourite FOZZY album to date, so why shouldn’t they try recreate the feel of that release? Don’t get me wrong though, it’s not just a rehash, it is a solid and unique album. And “Sin And Bones” has some high profile guest stars, too. You’ve got M Shadows of AVENGED SEVENFOLD offering his vocals on first single “Sandpaper”, and MOTÖRHEAD’sPhil Campbell, who delivers an awesome guitar solo on “She’s My Addiction”. And speaking of that track, it’s got to be my favourite on the album. It’s got a great rhythm, and a chorus that would sound awesome live; easy to sing along to, and very catchy. One other thing, thanks to the opening to “Spider In My Mouth”, “Itsy Bitsy Spider” has never been so terrifying – not to mention the lyrics to the actual song! Something that FOZZY do very well is be heavy, but very melodic at the same time, and it’s something that’s very prevalent on “Sin And Bones”.

Despite this album having a run time of just over 50 minutes, it never gets boring or repetitive. Even the longest song, “Storm The Beaches” (based around a soldier’s point of view on D-Day), doesn’t feel like it’s eleven and a half minutes long when you’re listening to it. Indeed, you’re never far from a catchy chorus, or an awesome riff, or a toe tapping hook. All five members of FOZZY are on fine form here, even relative newbie Paul Di Leo, who only joined the band in Autumn of last year. Jericho’s vocals improve with every single album, and “Sin And Bones” is no exception. He shows quite a bit of range here, all the way from Death Metal growls in “Blood Happens” to high-pitched Metal screams on “A Passed Life”. As I’ve already mentioned, we’ve got some fine guitar and bass work from Ward, Grey and Di Leo who are all on top form. And Grey’s drumming just tops off the whole wonderful package that is “Sin And Bones”.

Chris Jerichodescribed this as ‘the best thing we’ve ever done’, and whilst I may not entirely agree with him, it’s definitely a very, very awesome release, and may just be my second favourite of theirs, although I may have to have few more listens. FOZZY have definitely not disappointed with “Sin And Bones”, and you can really hear the effort that they’ve put into it. So if you’re a FOZZY fan already, you should get this, without a doubt. And if you’re not? Well, it’s definitely not a bad place to start.